HUNGARIAN COMMENTS ON THE SEPTEMBER GYMNICH

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000638

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CE JAMIE MOORE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2014
TAGS: PREL EU HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN COMMENTS ON THE SEPTEMBER GYMNICH

REF: NARDI AUGUST 28 EMAIL

Classified By: POLOFF Jon Martinson, reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. MFA EU External Relations and Crisis Situations Section
Chief Andras Dekany discussed ref email topics with POLOFF on
September 3 and provided the following comments concerning
the agenda items:


2. (C) Israel-Palestinian Peace:

-- Referring to the September summit, Dekany said that
Hungary looks for "new arrangements " to renew the peace
talks, and believes that the EU must examine how it can be
more effective in moving the process forward. He added that
the mandate of the Quartet should be expanded to include
Syria and Lebanon in the discussions because of their role in
the region. Dekany said that Hungary expects Israel to
comply with expectations outlined in President Obama's
settlement statements, and longer term commitments by Israel
are needed on its settlement policy. Hungary also views
recent Israeli comments as to the exclusive nature of the
State as "not acceptable." Hungary also believes action is
needed to strengthen the Palestinian Authority's leadership,
while the conditions for a relationship with Hamas remain the
same - "the Quartet principles." Commenting on a potential
upgrade of the EU/Israeli relationship, Dekany said that
Hungary takes a middle-of-the-road position: "the
relationship should not be tied directly to Israel's behavior
in the Middle East, but at the same time, not entirely
separated from such behavior."


3. (C) Iran:

-- Hungary considers the EU's primary strategic objective is
to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear military
capability. Within the context of the P5 Plus One process,
the EU should work towards a "credible timeline," while
preparing, in cooperation with the United States and other
powers, additional measures to be undertaken if Iran refuses
to cooperate with the international community. Dekany added
that if Iran is not willing to negotiate, then the EU must
consider further sanctions, "first and foremost, working with
the UN Security Council, as well as in consultation with
regional powers." In this context, Hungary will propose that
the EU's Council Secretariat be charged with developing
policy options. Dekany emphasized that Hungary is "ready to
join sanctions, if and when needed." In a final comment on
the topic, Dekany said that those working the Iran issue
should also take into account the synergy with the Middle
East peace process, as some Middle East countries may be
willing to adopt a more flexible role based on their security
concerns vis-a-vis Iran. He suggested that NATO members
should exchange views on this as well.


4. (C) Afghanistan:

-- Referencing the agenda's "strategy paper," Dekany said
that, currently, there is a presidency "non-paper" being
circulated with a targeted adoption date, either at the
October or November GAERC. He added that Hungary agrees in
general with the non-paper's priorities and objectives,
however they need to be "more focused, with more effective
and efficient use of EU resources." Dekany listed three main
objectives for the EU: police reform; strengthening
government capacities at the national and local level; and
institution building. He said that Hungary will press for a
more comprehensive picture of EU activity in Afghanistan, as
currently in-country activities are too compartmentalized.


5. (C) Pakistan:

-- Expressing his personal view that Pakistan, rather than
Afghanistan, is "the biggest challenge" in the region, if for
no other reason than the size of the population and country,
Dekany said that the EU must bear in mind that its primary
objective is to strengthen civil institutions and the
Government. He underscored that the EU must take into
account Pakistan's requirements, and focus on assistance with
counter-terrorism, effective governance, economic, and
commercial cooperation. Dekany added that the EU is
considering establishment of a bi-annual EU/Pakistan summit
that reflects Pakistan's key role in the region.
LEVINE